Breaking Down the Titans Matchup w/ the Chiefs

The Tennessee Titans likely took notice on Monday night just how the formerly unbeaten New York Giants played in Cleveland against a Browns team that was 1-3 coming in. Sunday at 5-0 they head on the road to take on a KC team that is 1-4, and despite struggling, have already scored one home upset this season vs the Broncos at home. The Titans are the best team in the AFC after six weeks of football, and they have had time to rest and great ready for this matchup.

The Chiefs also have had a week of rest, but they are hoping to come back after getting beaten badly vs the Panthers two weeks ago 34-0 in Carolina. They will throw Brodie Croyle back into the mix, but he’ll have to deal with Tennessee’s stingy defense that has held opponents to 288.6 yards per game – fourth-best in the NFL – and a league-low 11.2 points a contest while leading the NFL with 14 turnovers. That unit yielded 285 yards and had two interceptions in the win over the Ravens two weeks ago.

A key to the success for the Chiefs will be handing the ball to Larry Johnson. While he was held in check vs the Panthers, he had close to 200 yards vs the Broncos in the teams lone win at home. For them to pull the upset, they will have to run and run well, which is easier said than done vs a good Titans D.

Kerry Collins leads the Titans offense, and he has been a bit hot and cold taking over for Vince Young. Against the Ravens, he was intercepted twice, but went 17-of-32 for 163 yards and his 11-yard touchdown pass to Alge Crumpler with 1:56 to play which was the difference. Collins brings a steady presence to the team, and should have success vs a young Chiefs secondary.

Look for the Titans to run a lot, as Chris Johnson and LenDale White will continue to try and pound it away as they beat on the Chiefs D line. The Titans ability to run and run well with White and Johnson is a main reason why they are 5-0. They are rushing for 119 yards per game, which is good for 12th in the league.

This game will be close for awhile. The Titans are one of the top teams in the league, and playing on the road vs a game Chiefs team they will be able to come away with a win. The Chiefs will hang in there, but won’t be able to stand toe to toe with the Titans for more than a half.